Fish selection for a 25g tank?

[Mathew J. Newton]

Hi everyone,

I've had my 25g tank set up for a couple of months now, the only inhabitants
being six White Cloud Mountain Minnows. I'm glad to say they're doing fine
(although from what I've read it seems that things would have to be
seriously wrong to kill off these toughies!) and me getting this far has
been a very interesting and rewarding learning experience.

Whilst my theoretical knowledge of aquatics is improving I obviously don't
have the experience nor intimate knowledge of fish species - I've read a few
books/websites covering the massive variety however I'm having trouble
planning my tank right through to full stocking with regards to what fish to
keep. Sure, I appreciate that it will take some time however if I don't
define my goal then defining a strategy of getting there will be even more
difficult!

So, given that I've got the six White Clouds currently, what would you guys
suggest as a next fish, and indeed future fish upto capacity. I initially
bought the tank for the aesthetics hence would particularly welcome
suggestions of suitable fish that fall into the 'good-looking' and
'interesting-to-watch' categories. Of course these are both subjective
however I'm sure there must be some varieties that would feature in many a
persons list? Ideally, in support of reaching my ultimate goal of an
attractive fully-stocked tank I would particularly welcome consideration of
a good balance of top-, middle- and bottom- dwelling fish.

On a final note, my substrate is 2mm-3mm gravel (that would probably fall
into the 'sharp' category mentioned in many a FAQ/book) yet I would like
some bottom-feeders to help with the cleaning (not to mention for the
aesthetics).... ...any suggestions? I particularly like the idea of shrimps
if viable? Also, my water is medium-hard and slightly alkaline...

Sorry if this request sounds like I can't be bothered to research the
available fish myself - on the contrary - I could be accused of doing too
much research as now I'm confused!

Many thanks for your suggestions,

Mathew

[Mathew J. Newton]

"Mathew J. Newton" > wrote in message
...
> Hi everyone,
>
> I've had my 25g tank set up for a couple of months now, the only
inhabitants
> being six White Cloud Mountain Minnows. I'm glad to say they're doing fine
<snip>

Forgot to mention... ...my tank is tropical! (Was told by the LFS that the
White Clouds would be fine at 25degreesC... hope they're right - all seems
fine so far!)

Regards,

Mathew

[Peter Ashby]

Mathew J. Newton > wrote:

> "Mathew J. Newton" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Hi everyone,
> >
> > I've had my 25g tank set up for a couple of months now, the only
> inhabitants
> > being six White Cloud Mountain Minnows. I'm glad to say they're doing fine
> <snip>
>
> Forgot to mention... ...my tank is tropical! (Was told by the LFS that the
> White Clouds would be fine at 25degreesC... hope they're right - all seems
> fine so far!)

That was the thing that worried me. They may well be 'fine' but are
unlikely to live as long or be as healthy. However if you drop the temp
to suit them it rather restricts your choice of other fish.

25g opens up some possibilities but is not quite big enough for others.
I'm not sure its big enough for a school of clown loaches for eg. If you
want smaller cleaners consider ancistrus catfish, (bristlenoses) a
couple should be fine in your tank, though you may not see them much.

A school of Cory cats would provide constant interest as they bumble
about and are available in many different types to tune your aesthetics.

For midwater you could go for a school of raspboras or maybe some barbs
but beware that some barbs nip fins. Stay away from Amazonian fish as
they won't thrive in your hard alkaline water.

Have a look here:
http://fishgeeks.com/
http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/fishindx.htm
http://www.fishkeepinguk.co.uk/

Do your homework as per fish for water types, go to some LFS and see the
fish in the flesh. Go home and read some more before buying. If a LFS
staffer tries to tell you different from what your readings have told
you make a note that that shop is more interested in making money than
selling you appropriate fish.

Peter

[Mathew J. Newton]

"Peter Ashby" > wrote in message
...
> Mathew J. Newton > wrote:
>
> > "Mathew J. Newton" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > > Hi everyone,
> > >
> > > I've had my 25g tank set up for a couple of months now, the only
> > inhabitants
> > > being six White Cloud Mountain Minnows. I'm glad to say they're doing
fine
> > <snip>
> >
> > Forgot to mention... ...my tank is tropical! (Was told by the LFS that
the
> > White Clouds would be fine at 25degreesC... hope they're right - all
seems
> > fine so far!)
>
> That was the thing that worried me. They may well be 'fine' but are
> unlikely to live as long or be as healthy. However if you drop the temp
> to suit them it rather restricts your choice of other fish.
>
> 25g opens up some possibilities but is not quite big enough for others.
> I'm not sure its big enough for a school of clown loaches for eg. If you
> want smaller cleaners consider ancistrus catfish, (bristlenoses) a
> couple should be fine in your tank, though you may not see them much.
>
> A school of Cory cats would provide constant interest as they bumble
> about and are available in many different types to tune your aesthetics.
>
> For midwater you could go for a school of raspboras or maybe some barbs
> but beware that some barbs nip fins. Stay away from Amazonian fish as
> they won't thrive in your hard alkaline water.
>
> Have a look here:
> http://fishgeeks.com/
> http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/fishindx.htm
> http://www.fishkeepinguk.co.uk/
>
> Do your homework as per fish for water types, go to some LFS and see the
> fish in the flesh. Go home and read some more before buying. If a LFS
> staffer tries to tell you different from what your readings have told
> you make a note that that shop is more interested in making money than
> selling you appropriate fish.
>
> Peter

Thanks for the response Peter. I was aware of the links however I'm finding
that the more I read about various types of fish, suitability/compatibility
etc, the more I'm getting confused! Hence, I'm looking for advice from those
with experience as to a good balance to complete my tank.

Thanks for your particular suggestions in this respect; I'll bear them in
mind.

Cheers,

Mat

[Elaine Irvine]

"Mathew J. Newton" > wrote in message >...
> "Peter Ashby" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Mathew J. Newton > wrote:
> >
> > > "Mathew J. Newton" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > > Hi everyone,
> > > >
> > > > I've had my 25g tank set up for a couple of months now, the only
> inhabitants
> > > > being six White Cloud Mountain Minnows. I'm glad to say they're doing
> fine
> > > <snip>
> > >
> > > Forgot to mention... ...my tank is tropical! (Was told by the LFS that
> the
> > > White Clouds would be fine at 25degreesC... hope they're right - all
> seems
> > > fine so far!)
> >
> > That was the thing that worried me. They may well be 'fine' but are
> > unlikely to live as long or be as healthy. However if you drop the temp
> > to suit them it rather restricts your choice of other fish.
> >
> > 25g opens up some possibilities but is not quite big enough for others.
> > I'm not sure its big enough for a school of clown loaches for eg. If you
> > want smaller cleaners consider ancistrus catfish, (bristlenoses) a
> > couple should be fine in your tank, though you may not see them much.
> >
> > A school of Cory cats would provide constant interest as they bumble
> > about and are available in many different types to tune your aesthetics.
> >
> > For midwater you could go for a school of raspboras or maybe some barbs
> > but beware that some barbs nip fins. Stay away from Amazonian fish as
> > they won't thrive in your hard alkaline water.
> >
> > Have a look here:
> > http://fishgeeks.com/
> > http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/fishindx.htm
> > http://www.fishkeepinguk.co.uk/
> >
> > Do your homework as per fish for water types, go to some LFS and see the
> > fish in the flesh. Go home and read some more before buying. If a LFS
> > staffer tries to tell you different from what your readings have told
> > you make a note that that shop is more interested in making money than
> > selling you appropriate fish.
> >
> > Peter
>
> Thanks for the response Peter. I was aware of the links however I'm finding
> that the more I read about various types of fish, suitability/compatibility
> etc, the more I'm getting confused! Hence, I'm looking for advice from those
> with experience as to a good balance to complete my tank.
>
> Thanks for your particular suggestions in this respect; I'll bear them in
> mind.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mat


Hi, Elaine here. For that size of tank I would recommend you consider
some Tetras as they are small, easy to look after and add colour to
the tank.

[Peter Ashby]

Elaine Irvine > wrote:

>
> Hi, Elaine here. For that size of tank I would recommend you consider
> some Tetras as they are small, easy to look after and add colour to
> the tank.

Most tetras are not happy in hard, alkaline water. They are soft, acid
water fish as a rule.

Peter

[TYNK 7]

>Subject: Re: Fish selection for a 25g tank?
>From: (Peter Ashby)
>Date: 2/6/2004 11:57 AM Central Standard Time
>Message-id: >
>
>Elaine Irvine > wrote:
>
>>
>> Hi, Elaine here. For that size of tank I would recommend you consider
>> some Tetras as they are small, easy to look after and add colour to
>> the tank.
>
>Most tetras are not happy in hard, alkaline water. They are soft, acid
>water fish as a rule.
>
>Peter
>

Yes, usually true.
However, I have "liquid rock" for water and my Neon Tetras grow to max size and
thrive in this hard water.
However, if I were to try spawning these fish, I would then have to acclimate
slowly to a much lower pH.
Most fish are pretty hardy when it comes to other than perfect
conditions...especially when it comes to pH. *I'm talking about general living
conditions, not spawning conditions.*

[Mathew J. Newton]

"NetMax" > wrote in message
. ..
>
<snip>
> I could continue, but it would only solidify the opinion that I'm
> probably certifiable, and represent a danger to society ;o) heh heh, I
> hope in all that mess, I might have given you some ideas, or at least
> some different ways to think about it.
>
> cheers
> NetMax
>
>

Thanks NetMax, and everyone else, for the suggestions - they've been a
useful contribution and food for thought with regards to my choices. I'll
digest them for a while - I'm pretty sure that given I'll be adding stock
gradually my tastes/wishes/intentions will change so, to a certain extent, I
won't be worrying too much about the end-state as per my original plan.

Thanks again,

Mathew

[Sandy Morton]

In article >, NetMax
> wrote:
> I could continue, but it would only solidify the opinion that I'm
> probably certifiable, and represent a danger to society ;o) heh
> heh, I hope in all that mess, I might have given you some ideas, or
> at least some different ways to think about it.

Nice post - enjoyed.

--
A T (Sandy) Morton
on the Bicycle Island
In the Global Village
http://www.sandymillport.fsnet.co.uk

[Peter Ashby]

High Flight > wrote:

> On rec.aquaria.freshwater.misc, Elaine Irvine
> > says...
> > Hi, Elaine here. For that size of tank I would recommend you consider
> > some Tetras as they are small, easy to look after and add colour to
> > the tank.
>
> And are boring as hell, as they just sit in one place and twitch all day
> and night.
>
> I'd suggest the guy look into some cichlids!

An excellent suggestion, he could start with some that won't eat his
white clouds like Rams and Kribensis, then when the white clouds have
gone he can progress to other less community minded species.

Peter